DES MOINES, Iowa – U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris expressed her condolences for the tragic shooting at Perry High School in Iowa, where a sixth-grade student was killed and several others injured. Harris highlighted the urgent need for action on gun violence in the United States, pointing out that it has become the leading cause of death for children in the country.
In the aftermath of the shooting, Harris took to social media to mourn the loss of the young student and pray for the full recovery of the injured individuals. She also expressed gratitude for the quick response and bravery of teachers, staff, and law enforcement at the scene.
Addressing the epidemic of gun violence, Harris urged the U.S. Congress and legislators to take concrete steps to end the crisis. She emphasized the need for universal background checks, red flag laws, and the renewal of the assault weapons ban as part of the solution.
The shooting at Perry High School was carried out by a 17-year-old student, Dylan Butler, who tragically took his own life after killing one person and injuring several others. While the motive behind the shooting remains unclear, friends of the shooter revealed that he had been subjected to years of bullying and harassment, which took a toll on his mental health.
This devastating incident at Perry High School serves as a reminder of the persistent threat of gun violence in schools and public spaces across the United States. It has sparked renewed calls for legislative action to address this urgent public safety issue.